Mountains have always been a challenge to the spirit of man and man has always accepted that challenge. The loftier a mountain the greater has been the desire of man to climb and conquer its highest peak and enjoy the thrilling victory. Nearly all the mountains of the world have now been conquered by the persistence and perseverance of man. Several expeditions were organised to negotiate the many high mountain peaks in the world and most of them have been successful. A person who decides to do mountain climbing has already accomplished and overcome his fear. It is an activity that teaches a lot about facing challenges and overcoming our fears also. High altitude climbing is still a very dangerous task in spite of the availability of oxygen masks and other protective equipment which modern climbers take with them. These of course are indispensable accessories of climbing but more important than these is the stamina of the climber which ultimately determines the success of his attempt. Throughout their journey death is his constant companion which he can keep at a distance only with their superb and quick presence of mind. They have to tread every inch of the ground with utmost care fora false step may not only strike them a fatal blow but also bring disaster to the whole expedition. That is why all expeditions invariably take with them local guides who are experienced climbers and who have a thorough knowledge of the nature of the terrain. Moreover a huge amount of capital is needed for financing these expeditions and this is generally provided by governments or rich private organisations. The primary object of a mountaineering expedition is to get to the top of a high mountain which in the past has withstood all attempts to conquer it. But it should not be presumed that the expedition is a complete failure if it does not reach its destination. Sometimes operations are temporarily suspended because of bad weather or the sudden death of a very important member of the party. Every big expedition takes people who are interested in biology and geology and various other branches of science. These scientists carry with them equipment for recording their observations concerning the weather and different forms of life in higher altitudes. Other scientists and expeditionists utilize the fruits of their observations. Thus every unsuccessful expedition contributes to the success of later expeditions. The British Expedition led by Colonel Hunt would have found their way to Everest much more difficult had not earlier expeditions armed them with useful knowledge about the death dealing weather which they had to encounter in the vicinity of the summit. To ordinary people mountaineering need not be a fearful and an inaccessible activity in the land of snowstorms where the brave adventurer is always face to face with death. They can scale less ambitious heights and rest their weary limbs under a quiet shelter while feasting their eyes in the distant landscape. In the company of friends they can enjoy an outing near a waterfall or cross into the next valley with haversacks full of provisions dangling from their shoulders. All those who can afford to go to hill station should seek this innocent pleasure for it can be had without any risk to life or limb.